11/9/23: Shortly after we posted this article, a 4th Special Session was called that includes HB1 & SB1 -school voucher bills. Please complete our Action Alert that takes just seconds to complete-
Take Action- Oppose HB1 & SB 1- School Vouchers:
https://www.votervoice.net/AutismSociety/Campaigns/109040/Respond
The Texas Legislative Special Session ends Tuesday 11/7/23. This Special Session focused largely on border security & school vouchers, also known as “Education Savings Accounts” or ESAs. Our Executive Director, Jacquie Benestante, participated in a legislative staffers breakfast at the Capitol on 10/9 along with many disability organizations who are united in their opposition to vouchers and educated legislative staff on the challenges Autism families face in private schools. Jacquie also testified against school vouchers at the Senate Education hearing on 10/9 and was quoted in the Texas Tribune and Fox 4 News in Dallas, see links below.
Texas Tribune: “Texas Disability advocates argue against school vouchers in Texas Senate hearing“
Fox 4 News Dallas: Texas school choice bill: Tense moments as Senate debates legislation
On 10/30/23, the Autism Society of Texas and every major disability advocacy group in Texas issued a joint press release to oppose private school vouchers because they are not in the best interest of students with Autism. Read the full press release: https://tinyurl.com/PressReleaseVouchers
Key Concerns-
- Loss of Disability Protections
- Discrimination
- Lack of Accountability
- Increased Segregation
- Insufficient Funds
Although voucher legislation didn’t make it to the House this Special Session, so did not pass, advocates expect there will be a future additional Special Session to address vouchers within the next few months.
Please join our advocacy email list or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.